KATV Channel 7 - The Spirit of Arkansas: 7OYS Warning Expanded by BBB

June 2, 2011 – Little Rock, Arkansas: Arkansas businesses are being solicited with e-mails by a Davenport, Iowa company claiming to sell advertising for football schedule posters on behalf of area high schools. Local high school officials told the Better Business Bureau they had no knowledge of the sales campaign.

American Publishing LLC has sent e-mails to Batesville area businesses promoting advertisement space on football schedule posters for Batesville High School. A spokesperson from Batesville High School claims no knowledge of the company.

American Publishing has other known DBAs which include but are not limited to, Communities Unlimited LLC, Ads Sports, and Ossian Enterprises.

BBB investigation of American Publishing revealed the following:

• The company incorporated in the state of Iowa on Feb. 24, 2011.
• The company registered its web site (ampublishingllc.com) on 2/28/2011.
• The company is one of two fictitious business names used by Ossian Enterprises LLC of Davenport, Iowa. Ossian Enterprises registered as a corporation on May 12, 2010.

Ads Sports is the other fictitious business name used by Ossian Enterprises. Ad Sports has an "F" rating with the BBB serving Iowa, the lowest rating possible, based on the history of complaints filed against the company.

Complaints involved issues related to advertising, billing, delivery, refunds and sales practices.

American Publishing has no rating with BBB at this time being it has only been in existence for two months.

Mike Lugo, who said he was general manager of American Publishing, told the BBB that his company was selling advertisements for football schedule posters throughout the United States. The e-mail sent out by the company says "All ads on the poster will be exclusive this year, so we will only have one type of each business! There will be up to 5,000 posters to be sent out this September of 2011! So be sure to get your spot on the 2011 football posters now, space is very limited." Lugo is listed as project director in the e-mails.  Advertising costs on the posters which are 8 ½ x 11 inches range from $299.50 to $749.50.

Lugo's name is also on the e-mail from Communities Unlimited as project director.

David Campbell of Batesville High School said he had no knowledge of, or contact from American Publishing, or any of their DBAs.

BBB is warning local businesses to carefully investigate all companies seeking advertising dollars for high school athletic schedules and other advertising products. Janet Robb, President/CEO Better Business Bureau of Arkansas comments, "If a business is considering an ad they should check with the school to determine if it has a relationship with the vendor, or they ask the BBB to check out the company. A consumer can call us or visit www.bbb.org"

BBB ADVICE

The BBB encourages businesses that purchase advertising space to research each company diligently and send requests for specific details on products and distribution plans prior to agreeing to their services.

Businesses are generous with their sponsorships, especially if it is a local group they supposedly are supporting. But, they need to make sure the efforts officially support the appropriate organizations. The BBB also recommends getting written proof of a company's policies regarding misprints or cancellations.

If you have an unresolved issue or feel you have been misled by this company, BBB urges you to file a formal complaint for resolve at: www.bbb.org